The men meet at Denny’s by South Park for breakfast the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am. This month’s dates are:  Wednesday, May 1 & May 15.

Spring is here and with it the Trustees have implemented a plan to keep our church grounds looking beautiful all year long.   Our grounds were divided into ‘plots’ that church members have volunteered to maintain.  Church gardeners decide what they will plant and tend in their individual areas as well as assume the responsibility for  watering, weeding and overall appearance.   When you see the areas beautify as plants mature, please offer your thanks to these volunteers: <!–split–>

Cindy Anderson,  Dan Haughey,  Sandy Lagomarcino,  Chris Baumann,  Maggie and Max Rensburger,  Mark and Becky Montgomery,  Denny and Carolyn Mesick,  and  Boy Scout Troop 119.

In conjunction with this program, we are looking to stockpile gardening tools (rakes, spades, hoes, hedge clippers, etc.) to store in the church garage for volunteer use.  If you have any available to donate or find something at an estate sale / thrift store, please keep us in mind.

—  The Board of Trustees

SUNDAY, April 14 – Palm Sunday

THURSDAY, April 18 – Maundy Thursday – 5:00 pm Worship Service

FRIDAY, April 19 – Good Friday – 6:00 pm Worship Service

SUNDAY, April 21 – EASTER SUNDAY – ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM

Months ago we introduced the Our Conference Our Kids initiative to begin an endowment fund for the spiritual lives of the five organizations in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference that support children and families: The Baby Fold, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, Spearo, Chaddock and Cunningham. On April 28th Gay Crede will lead a special worship service at 9:30 am immediately followed by a brunch of egg casseroles and breads prepared by the Missions and Outreach Committee members. Gay is an ambassador of the Our Conference Our Kids and will be bringing us some personal insight and poignant stories from the children she serves at Cunningham home.  <!–split–>

Leading up to April 28^th please spend some time with God as you consider how much you can give as a positive and proactive support for the spiritual life and healing of the children of Illinois who have not gotten off to the best start, and are still yearning to know God, and to uncover and unlock potential yet undiscovered.

Missions and Outreach Committee urges you to not just toss in your loose change on April 28, but to plan ahead what you might sacrifice in order to truly support this cause. Perhaps you will eat at home once a week and donate the amount you would have spent eating out. Perhaps you will do an extra chore or job to earn your pledge.  Perhaps you will challenge a group of friends to match your donation. Be creative. Dig deep. Please, all come  together to hear Gay Crede and then fellowship together for brunch. While the brunch will be anonymous donation, we would like to have an idea for how many we should prepare. Please, let Karen know in the office, 764.0619 or write ‘brunch’ on the attendance sheet at church just once so we can compile a tally of guests.

Thank you!   Carolyn Mesick

Join those of retirement age (55 and older) for the April Fellowship Luncheon

Thursday, April 25 – Noon – in the Activity Center:

MENU:  Chicken Stir Fry with white rice  and oriental noodles, dinner rolls, Hawaiian cream pie and coffee.  $5/person.

Please RSVP to Steve or MaryAnn Harvey.

2019 Camping Guide – Pick one up outside the office today!

The Illinois Great Rivers Conference camping program is an extension of the local church’s disciple-making process. Its mission is to provide transforming settings for recreation, spiritual formation, and hospitality to all. <!–split–>

In fulfillment of the camping ministry’s mission, programming at both East Bay Camp and Little Grassy Camp makes the most of their locations on lakes, which, along with plentiful timber, invites guests to explore God’s creative genius in a leisurely manner, enjoy prolonged experiences of Christian community, forge relationships with God and others through worship, study, mealtimes, and play, and foster growing relationships with Jesus Christ.

2019 marks the 150^th anniversary of United Methodist Women !  On Tuesday, 5 March at 7:00 pm all ladies of the church are invited to celebrate UMW’s proud history and bright future.  Refreshments will be served.  (Wesley Hall).

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season, and we start this season with worship on March 6^th at 6:00 pm.

This special study begins Monday, 11 March at Noon.  Entitled:  “Jesus: Understanding His Death and Resurrection”  by Kay Arthur & David Arthur.  See Pastor Stan for books – $6.00 each

The men meet at Denny’s by South Park Mall for breakfast the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am.   This month we’ll meet on March 6^th and 20^th.  Hope to see you there!